Ecuador: transit visa now required for 45 nationalities

On September 1, 2025, Ecuador introduced a new immigration requirement: nationals of 45 countries must now obtain a Visa de Visitante Temporal de Transeúnte to enter the country.

This measure, announced by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, stems from the reform of the Organic Law on Human Mobility and is part of a strategy for national security and migration management.

Unlike a tourist or residence visa, the Visa de Transeúnte mainly concerns travelers in transit. Applications must be made online and from abroad, via the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec.

The total cost is $80, divided between $50 for the application form and $30 for the issuance of the electronic visa (e-Visa), which is valid for up to 30 days. The authorities specify that the process is entirely digital and that no applications can be made upon arrival in Ecuador.

The 45 countries affected by this transit visa requirement in Ecuador

Here is the list of the 45 countries affected by this new visa requirement in Ecuador:

• Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Chad, China, Congo, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.

In their official statement, the Ecuadorian authorities explain that “the implementation of this measure aims to strengthen state security and migration control. The Ecuadorian government reiterates its commitment to respect the rights of people in situations of human mobility and to comply with the legal framework in force.”

Customs registration form: a requirement only for certain travelers

In addition to this new visa requirement, on July 29, 2025, Ecuador introduced a digital form designed to strengthen customs control: the Formulario de Registro Aduanero (FRA).

While several media outlets initially reported that it would be mandatory for all travelers, Ecuador’s National Customs Service (SENAE) issued an official statement on July 12, 2025, to clarify the situation.

“The National Customs Service of Ecuador informs that, in view of citizens’ concerns, it is clarified that the customs registration form (FRA) will be mandatory only for passengers or crew members entering or leaving the country with goods subject to declaration, including cash, negotiable bearer instruments, precious metals and stones with a value equal to or greater than ten thousand US dollars or their equivalent in other currencies,” explains SENAE.

Not all travelers are therefore affected by this procedure. But for those who are, the declaration must be made online via the official SENAE portal (aduana.gob.ec), with paper forms only accepted in exceptional cases.